Don't Despise Small Beginnings

We all have to start somewhere. We have to learn and grow as we go through life and gain wisdom through experience to know how to live and thrive. We must discover our strengths and learn from our losses. We must seek, be challenged, and find out how to overcome.

Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Nothing worthwhile comes quickly. We don't appreciate things that come easily as much as we value what we've worked hard for.

Through hope and a desire to succeed, we navigate through unchartered territory. Once we are able to master that territory, we move on to more challenging terrain. For some, it's a physical challenge. It's more of a mental matter for others because we all have unique gifts and talents to master. At the same time, we navigate socially to see what works best for us. Some are more social, others more introverted. The beauty of life is that we are each unique. That's why we need to accept each other as we are.

Life is a beautiful journey. Yes, there is heartbreak, and there will always be challenges. But those things make us stronger if we view them from the right perspective.

Find the beauty among the ashes. Associate with those who accept and love you for who you are. Be grateful for what you have and keep hope for more accomplishments in the future. Hope will keep you full of life and purposeful. And faith will keep you strong!

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10).

“Though your beginning was small, yet your end will greatly increase.” (Job 8:7).

The Importance Of Prayer

Sometimes, things seem impossible to overcome, and it feels like prayer can't make a difference. But that can't be farther from the truth. The Bible says, "You don't have because you don't ask." (James 4:2).

The truth is that prayer is a profound and essential means of communicating with God. We should "pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We should approach God in hardship and peace on good days and bad. Prayer is a way of supporting a relationship between ourselves and God. Communication seeks to bring His divine wisdom, mercy, and help into our lives.

If we pray according to God's will for our lives, He will listen to us. (1 John 5: 14). Therefore, knowing His plans for our lives is essential. He wants to prosper us and not harm us. He wants to give us hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11). It is also His will that not one of us perish. (Matthew 18:14).

Timing is up to God. "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3: 1). We must be patient and have faith. We must persevere despite what we are dealing with while hoping for a better day and His help.

God sees all. "His eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good." (Prov. 15: 3). So never be afraid because He knows what you are going through. He will work "all things together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).

You've always got someone on your side who hears your every prayer and knows your every thought! Keep praying, believing, and holding on because you are never alone! He will never leave you or forsake you! (Deut. 31: 8).

Living With The Mindset Of Love

Love is a powerful force, capable of transforming our lives when we understand its true essence. Society often portrays love as physical, conditional, and transient. However, the true definition of love, as revealed in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, is far more profound. It is patient, kind, and enduring. It doesn’t envy, boast,  or behave inappropriately. It doesn’t seek its own way, is not easily provoked, and doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. Love rejoices with the truth,  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.  Love, in its true form, never fails.  

Love is the stuff of Heaven. True love comes from God, and love is who God is. For us, love is a decision. It doesn't fail or change depending on our moods. We are instructed to "let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from us, with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, and forgiving, just as God also in Christ forgave us." (Ephesians 4: 31-32). We are told to "set our minds on the things above, not on the things on the earth." (Col. 3:2).

In order for us to live as God would have us live, we must help and support each other, build each other up, and offer encouragement. Living as God would have us live means following His commandments, showing love and compassion to others, and striving to be more like Christ. We are human, and none of us is perfect. We need each other to become better and to improve. "Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens his friend's countenance." Proverbs 27:17.

Love rejoices with the truth because when the truth is revealed, it can be accepted, worked through, and healed, allowing us to be set free. Love 'covers a multitude of sins' (1 Peter 4:8). When we live in God's love, we see the good in others, and we don't focus on their wrongs. We encourage each other to heal and improve so that we can live more fulfilling, peaceful, and meaningful lives. Everyone needs a safe place where understanding people can guide us to healthier, happier mindsets. It is all part of God's process to lean on each other and make the world better, holding each other accountable, but from a place of compassion and caring. 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit' (Romans 8:1). As long as we are steadily moving forward, healing and growing, we are doing everything we can and living life the way we are designed to live-lives of love, mercy, compassion, and caring!

(All references are from the World English Bible, available in the public domain).

Life Is A Game. Play It Well.

Dimension means a measurable unit of space. The dimension of earth occupies a space-but only a tiny space as compared to the universe.

The earthly dimension demands our attention. But often we give it the wrong attention.

This dimension demands that we take heed of its specifications. However, we need to learn that its specifications-in a large way- are brought about by our beliefs. What we believe comes true-good and bad. We directly affect ourselves and our personal space on earth according to what our core beliefs are. That is why we must carefully guard our hearts and minds.

Of course, the constraints and freedoms we experience in our lives here are also spiritually determined. There is a path we have chosen to take that we find ourselves walking day after day. Our beliefs affect that path moment by moment, day by day, year by year. Therefore it is important to believe in good so that we end up in a good place-not only here, but also after our game here is over. This is true regardless of what has happened to us. If our lives have been harsh, we need to believe in good all the more!

Earth is a learning ground. We've all come here to grow. If we grow tall in light and love despite our circumstances, we are winning the game of this dimension. Because, after all, "life" here IS just a game. But an important game. A game, if played right, of growth and wisdom. The stronger we are-the more able we are to live according to love and light-the more we evolve.

Hardship is the greatest teacher. If you're experiencing great hardship, you're learning invaluable lessons that will help you evolve into love, light, and truth. Embrace it to the best of your ability. After all is said and done, when you're standing in the light of eternity, you will understand that this life has only been a game of learning. So play it well.  You'll be really glad you did!